“MCTF strongly supports CBP’s proposal, which will
help ensure that our coastwise laws are properly applied with respect to the
transportation of certain merchandise between US points,” the coalition
stated in comments submitted on August 14, 2009. The proposal focuses largely
on correcting the incremental misapplication of a 1976 decision in which CBP
evaluated a range of activities undertaken by a pipeline repair vessel on the
outer continental shelf, continued MCTF. Over the years, factors underlying the
decision have been cited out of context, eroding the fundamental analysis, with
the result that non-coastwise qualified vessels engaged in activities properly
reserved for Jones Act-qualified vessels, the group explained.

The Jones Act requires that merchandise moving between points
in the United States by water be carried in a vessel that is built in the US,
owned by US citizens, documented under US registry, and crewed by US seafarers,
continued MCTF. The Jones Act was enacted in 1920, but the United States has
reserved the domestic trades to US vessels since 1817 and had other laws to
promote a US-flag fleet since 1789, the group claims.

MCTF argues that, “A close reading of the 1976 decision
makes clear that CBP never intended the definition of vessel equipment to
depend solely on the mission of the vessel or to change dramatically from one
vessel to the next. Permitting non-coastwise qualified vessels to carry
equipment, supplies, or other articles that are not needed to navigate,
operate, or maintain the vessel undermines the coastwise laws because it
permits transportation that should be reserved for US coastwise qualified
vessels.”

The Maritime Cabotage Task Force was founded in 1995 to
promote the US-flag fleet engaged in domestic waterborne commerce. The group
claims more than 400 members. “Nationwide, there are more than
39,000 vessels engaged in Jones Act commerce, and they annually move more than
1 billion tons of cargo and 100 million passengers,”
adds MCTF.

Sam Sause, General Manager

Grand Transport

Tel: 510-865-0993

Fax: 510-865-2258

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Thanks Sam. Our council is a member of the MCTF. Soon after joining, the MCTF joined the Navy League and the Navy League joined the MCTF.

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